Playtime Is Almost Over

By
Julia Beizer

Play, in much younger days. The Dupont club is closing after this weekend. (Linda Davidson/The Washington Post)

Play Lounge, a beloved spot for bachelorettes and bottle-service devotees since 2005, will be closing after its Saturday night party for a renovation/makeover that is expected to last at least 40 days. The club will be under the same management when it reopens, but the space will be transformed into a new venue, known as Midtown.

"Picture Las Vegas in the '70s or '80s. It's going to have a really unique classy old-school flair." said Reese Gardner, vice president of marketing, operations and acquisition for Michael Romeo Group, the company that owns Play, Lotus, Tattoo and Fur. "We don't want take away that energy that Play has," said Gardner. He expects Midtown to be the kind of place where people feel comfortable going crazy on the dance floor (and the stripper pole) the way they currently do at Play. With that in mind, management plans on adding two additional poles, along with an elevated DJ booth, elevated VIP areas and improved lighting and sound.

Managers are also planning to have Play go out with a bang this weekend. Many visitors to the Dupont nightclub have taken a spin on the stripper pole, but after midnight on Friday, great dancing can score you a Tiffany's gift certificate, an iPod or other prizes in the club's stripper pole dance contest. If pole dancing isn't your thing, mixed flavored Absolut drinks will be going for $5, as will specialty shots dreamed up by the bartenders. The dress code and cover charge are waived for those who get on the list by RSVPing to Jamie Hess at jamie@jamiehess.com. On Saturday, the bar will be donating a portion of its proceeds to Becky's Fund, a nonprofit that raises money for domestic violence education and education advocacy. Not on the list and want to avoid a cover both nights? Show up before midnight.